William Mitchell sculpture panel of Bradford and Bingley landmarks seeks new home

Ilkley Art Trail is appealing for a new home for a large sculpture panel by well-known artist William Mitchell.

The 13 panels were commissioned by Bradford and Bingley Building Society in 1975 and depict scenes from both Bradford and Bingley, including the Five Rise Locks, the Alhambra and the Wool Exchange. They were placed in the reception area of the building society’s head office. When the building was refurbished in 1998, the mural, which measures 16.5 metres by 3.15m high, was rehoused at Bingley Arts Centre.

Lorna Bird, director of Ilkley Art Trail said: “We’re now looking for a new home for this work. We’ve approached Bradford Museums and Galleries to see if they are interested. They will be given on loan to a suitable home or organisation with public access. William Mitchell is a nationally well-known sculptor, who has nine works of art listed by English Heritage, and we would like to see this work stay in Yorkshire.”

The panels were moved from Bingley Arts Centre when a theatre group took over two years ago and are now in a warehouse in Bingley owned by UK Asset Resolution (UKAR), the holding company established to bring together the Government-owned businesses of Bradford & Bingley and Northern Rock.

Paul Horsfield, from UKAR said: “We are looking for a new home for the panels. It is such a significant piece, I would hate to see it hidden away.”

Anyone who can help, should e-mail Lorna Bird on ilkleyarttrail@gmail.com.